Instructor Class Description

Special Topics in Industrial Engineering

Prerequisite: permission of supervisor.

Class description

Examines the fundamentals of project performance and application of systems engineering theory, concepts and tools and technologies to plan, manage and accomplish organizational objectives in a project framework. The course also considers the critical roles leadership and team development plays in successful completion of projects.

Student learning goals

In this course you will gain an appreciation for the scope of applicability of the project model for accomplishing work and how to introduce the project discipline to your organization. You will learn how to select the appropriate project architecture, tools and methodologies to plan and schedule the tasks, activities and resources; how to structure a communication plan for coordinating project participants as well as informing customers and sponsors; how to monitor project progress; how to recover “when things don’t go as planned”; and how to capture and incorporate lessons learned in subsequent project efforts.

General method of instruction

The subject matter will be covered using lectures and discussions; textbook, cases and other reading assignments; group problem-solving exercises; team projects; written homework assignments; and class presentations by industry practitioners.

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

Homework assignments will include calculation and data manipulation exercises appropriate to project planning as well as critical thinking topics which will require written responses.

There will be 3-4 project assignments which help the student practice using the tools and processes we have studied during the quarter.

All students are expected to contribute to class discussions regarding assigned cases and textbook materials. Class participation is a critical component of the overall learning experience and is weighted heavily in the final grade given the student.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Joseph A. Heim
Date: 06/12/2010

Office of the Registrar
For problems and questions about this web page contact icd@u.washington.edu,
otherwise contact the instructor or department directly.
Modified:April 23, 2014